Hounslow consults on employer parking levy

FUNDING

Consultation is underway on the London Borough of Hounslow’s  proposed workplace parking levy scheme that could help fund the introduction of a passenger rail service on a freight-only line (LTT 20 Aug). 

 The levy would apply to the ‘Golden Mile’ area of the Great West Road in Brentford, broadly between Gillette Corner and Boston Manor Road. The charging zone has been set by using an approximate 1km walking perimeter around the proposed new train station – ‘Golden Mile Brentford’ – from where a service would run to Southall over an existing freight line. Passengers could interchange at Southall with Elizabeth Line services.  

Hounslow says the lion’s share of surplus revenues from the levy would be used to fund the implementation of the passenger train service. It says Network Rail has estimated this would cost £90m. Revenues could also be used for walking, cycling and bus schemes, and the proposed West London Orbital rail service to Cricklewood.

The zone contains an estimated 4,200 workplace parking spaces. Charges of £500, £750 and £1,000 per space have been assessed. The council says small businesses would probably be exempt from the levy.   

Hounslow wants to implement the levy in 2020/21.  Implementation requires the approval of the mayor of London. The Secretary of State must also approve the use of revenues in the shape of four and ten-year revenue plans. 

Consultation runs until 2 January.